Ron Yary Biography

Anthony Ronald Yary, born on July 16, 1946, played American football as a tackle in the NFL for 15 seasons, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings. He earned the Outland Trophy and was named a Unanimous All-American in 1967 while playing for the USC Trojans, contributing to a 1968 Rose Bowl victory. The Minnesota Vikings selected Yary first overall in the 1968 NFL draft, launching his professional career. Over 14 seasons with Minnesota, he played a key role in the team’s success during the late 1960s and 1970s. Yary attended Bellflower High School in Los Angeles County, California, and spent one season at Cerritos College in 1964. In October 2001, the school honored him by naming the football field Ron Yary Stadium. As a sophomore in 1965, he was named the Pac-8 defensive lineman of the year and earned All-West Coast recognition.